Natural Consequences

"Listen, all the earth!

I will bring disaster on my people.

It is the fruit of their own schemes,

because they refuse to listen to me.

They have rejected my word."

Jeremiah 6:19 NLT

As I read through the Old-Testament prophecies, I keep noticing a reoccurring theme:  God holds His people accountable for their faithlessness, their hypocrisy, their hard-heartedness.   He disciplines those He loves in order to bring them back to Him. Just because they were chosen by God to be His own precious possession does not exempt them from experiencing the consequences of their wayward actions.  And I have to wonder, how did their ungodly behavior, attitudes and beliefs influence the surrounding nations, the climate of the times, the culture as a whole?  And how did their destructive sway incite God's holy anger for the sake of His hallowed name?

Is it any different today?  Yes, those who have turned from sin and committed their lives to Jesus by faith fall under God's grace and are protected from the wrath of God's judgement for the sin that comes so naturally (Romans 5:9).  Yet I am called to holiness as His child (1 Peter 1:15-16).  I am to be a positive influence as the salt of the earth.  I am to shine the light of righteousness into the dark world (Matthew 5:13-16).  But I look at the culture around me and see my country falling apart.  We are in a bad way.  It's easy for me to blame the lost for the moral decline, for God taking His hand of blessing off our land.  Maybe I should instead be looking in the mirror to find who is to be held accountable for such deterioration.

Fruit.  I expect good things to flow into my life.  After all, I've given my life to Jesus, identifying myself as a Christian.  Doesn't that mean God's favor falls upon me, that my life will be filled with blessing as I align myself with the source of all beneficial and perfect gifts (James 1:17)?  Or does my habit of doing what comes naturally, of letting my own selfish desires serve as my greatest influence, of sowing seeds of my own sin nature that produces fruit of the flesh that is contrary to God's best block His flow of blessing(Galatians 6:7, 5:16-17)?

It's easy to blame God or others when my life is filled with prickly brambles instead of luscious bounty.  I may be constantly plagued by lust, drawn into confrontations with others, seem to be a magnet for trouble, envious of the lives of others that seem so much better, driven my a passion to make my mark in the world.  Instead of peace in my heart there's dissension, irritation replaces joy, coldness is in place of God's love, and harshness substitutes for gentleness.  Is this the life Jesus died to deliver (John 10:10)?  But it's not Jesus that's the problem, it's me.  I'm only getting what's coming to me as I neglect holiness, purity, humility, and a Kingdom-focus in order to cultivate my own sin-nature. And my country suffers as I fail to live as salt and light so others can see what He's doing in my life and give praise to Him (Matthew 5:16).

When I fail to walk by the Spirit, I negatively influence the world around me with the fruit of my own flesh (Galatians 5:19-20).

Stubbornness.  I want God's blessing more than anything.  I many times profess that His blessing is on me, that God is in control so I don't have to worry about a thing, that He's got my back.  Yet I willfully refuse to listen to what He's speaking to my heart, the bad habits He gently asks me to give up, the wrong attitudes of which He convicts me, the past I cling to like a snugly blanket. As a result, I don't live out my faith.  It doesn't reach any further than my lips, becoming only empty words I say but refuse to live out.

Instead, what if I lived my faith out loud?  What if I submitted to God, taking His messages to heart, refusing to defend myself or give excuses for why I won't let go of what is harmful?  What if I let down the walls I've erected to protect my own fleshly identity and allow God to give me a new one that is based on His love for me?  What if I let Him change the way I think (Romans 12:2)?  What a wonderful world that would be!

When I fail to listen to what God speaks to me, I negatively influence the world around me by sticking to my own stubborn ways.

Defiance.  I look for a better way, a path that won't offend others so much, one that is easier and will make me popular, that doesn't require me to change.  I spend a lot of time listening to sermons, reading God's Word and talking to other believers about deep topics, but I think I'm okay the way I am, or I'm afraid to go under the scalpel of the Great Physician, or I've talked myself into believing I'm not ready to endure the hand of the Master Potter.  Maybe tomorrow, I think.  Meanwhile, I continue to live as I've always lived, content in my wayward ways.

As a disciple of Jesus I'm meant to undergo transformation as my thoughts, attitudes and perspective are replaced with His.  If I choose to stick to my own, rejecting the truth of God's Word as irrelevant as justification to feel comfortable in my old skin, I'm not really His disciple.  Instead, I'm a rebel who is trampling on God's own Son, making a mockery of the sacrifice He made in coming to earth as a man and dying on the cross (Hebrews 10:29).  And how does my refusal to take up my own cross, my burden of suffering that is bound to come from following Him, negatively influence the world around me?  If I won't even deny my own self-interests in order to see the lost through my Father's eyes, how can I expect to be His ambassador(Matthew 16:24, 2 Corinthians 5:20)?  And how many people who need Jesus will not be introduced to Him because I'm so intent on living my own way?

When I fail to let God change me from the inside out, I negatively influence the world around me by robbing it of a much-needed representative of Christ.

I look around me at the moral decline and the climate of negativity and divisiveness and I want to blame others.  I think the decisions made by the powers to be are bringing God's righteous wrath upon the nation as a whole.  Yet I fail to see how my own lifestyle is dragging His holy name through the mud.  I am reaping fruit of the flesh, stubbornly refusing to listen to His offensive-to-my-flesh Word, and defiantly choosing my way over His.  In all these ways I'm the one responsible for the mess around me.  If I lived as I was called to live, God could use me to influence things for the better.  May I take the time to repent of my wayward ways and realize what I'm seeing around me is a natural consequence for the actions of God's people.  The future is in our hands so lets not waste any time.  Today is the day to repent and start living for Christ!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can realize I don't live in a vacuum, that my actions affect the culture in which I live.

How do I fail to see the part I'm playing in bringing this country down?

How would it change everything if every professing Christian served as His ambassador, appealing to the world to come back to God?       

    

Sowing Seeds of Righteousness

"Then Jacob called for his sons and said:

'Gather around so I can tell you what will happen

to you in the days to come.

Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob;

listen to your father Israel.'"

   Genesis 49:1-2

There were twelve sons who gathered around their father's death bed.  It was a solemn, grievous time, unlike the memories they all shared of recent family gatherings after they had been joyously reunited in a foreign land.  This was the moment when each man would discover what the future was to bring according to the way he lived his life.  Each one was about to discover the type of fruit that had been produced throughout their days.  Some learned of coming trouble and strife, while others received news of great fortune.  Either way, they were about to reap what they had sown.

I am no different from these young men.  While I may not receive a similar prophecy, I can expect my past decisions to affect my future.  Even though I am saved from eternal damnation by the grace of God through Jesus Christ, I still reap what I sow.  The question I must ask myself, then, is this:  What kind of seeds am I sowing?

Guard Against Evil

There are all kinds of messages bombarding my consciousness that are in direct opposition to God's goodness.  Many of these beliefs, viewpoints and principles of life appeal to my sinful nature.  When I hear that I must pull myself up by my own bootstraps when I'm in a bad place, for instance, or that all citizens should have the right to get married and enjoy the benefits found with that union regardless of sexual orientation as another example, my flesh inclines to agree.  It is easy to get sucked into evil.

Evil can be defined as a force that is in opposition to God.  This compelling power is at work all around me, effectively attempting to turn me off-course.  As long as I travel through life along the narrow path that leads to life, I am a target of my Enemy.  He has been described as a roaring lion prowling around looking for someone to devour.  (1 Peter 5:8)

With such a determined foe as this, I must enter the battle, purposefully taking steps to protect myself against the flaming arrows that Satan launches my way.  God has given me armor and weapons with which I can both protect myself and use to fight this battle. (Ephesians 6:10-20)  Instead of being a vulnerable target, I can then become a mighty warrior in the fight against evil.

To do this, I must always be on alert, like a soldier pulling perimeter duty.  If I let my guard down, thinking I am safe from attack, Satan will use the opportunity to launch an assault.  Therefore, it is in my best interest to realize I have an enemy, arm myself against him, and prepare some attacks of my own.

I do this by clinging to the truth as I've been taught, recognizing the attacks when they come and resisting the urge to fall for the lies Satan feeds me.  Furthermore, I can continue to strengthen myself with God's Word and prayer, utilizing the offensive weapons God has given to me.  (Ephesians 6:17-18)

If I want to sow seeds that will result in blessing, I will need to purposefully guard against evil.

Stand Firm in Temptation

I stepped gingerly onto the slippery log.  As part of an obstacle course, competitors were expected to cross a small ravine on a slick, muddy tree posing as a bridge.  If I slipped, I would most certainly fall off, necessitating a climb up the hill and another try at crossing the gap.  I had better be careful the first time I tried this obstacle in order to avoid a lengthy delay.

Similarly, it is very easy for me to slip and fall into sin.  I am constantly tempted to give into my sinful urges whether it be to lose my temper at someone, slide into a cycle of worry, or turn to another resource to provide for my needs instead of trusting God.  Whichever way I am tempted to try to do things my way instead of God's, God will always provide a way out. (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)

Looking for the mode of escape as I am presented with the option of sin takes practice.  As soon as I feel frustrated I can either let myself go and naturally give into anger or I can listen to the still, small Voice telling me His plan is better than mine.  He reminds me there is more than one way to do things and my way is not the only option.  If I listen to the Lord, my anger will subside as I acknowledge that God is in control.

When I start to analyze a problem, feeling the temptation to look at it from every angle in order to find a solution, God may bring a passage of scripture to my mind, reminding me to turn my troubles over to Him.  (Philippians 4:6-7)  Soon I experience the peace flooding my soul as I walk through the mode of escape God has provided.  

For the times when I am tempted to depend upon my own supply to provide for my needs, my Father may gently remind me that I am rich in Christ and that He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and knows how to give good gifts to His children who ask for them. (Philippians 4:19, Psalm 50:10, Matthew 7:11)

If I want to sow seeds that result in blessing, I will need to stand firm against temptation, taking the way out God always provides.

Surrender to God

We have a dog who is stubborn as all get out.  Whether it be time for a bath, toothbrushing, flea-medicine application, or to go to bed, this willful canine resists our attempts to care for him.  Either he digs his claws in, trying to avoid the inevitable, or he growls in an effort to get out of what is necessary.  Whatever his tactic, this is one strong-willed dog.

I am not so different from my pet in many ways.  I spend a lot of time fighting what God is trying to do in my life.  Sometimes, He is attempting to teach me something through difficulties but I resist learning the lesson, choosing only to focus on the pain of the situation.  Other times, God is trying to grow my faith by taking me through the fire, but I stubbornly insist that He is out to get me burned.  Then there are the times when I struggle against the direction I know God is leading me, obstinately hanging onto the desire to control my own destiny.

In all the above examples, I am just like my dog, resisting the good care my Master is trying to give me.  If, instead of fighting God I gave into His efforts, letting Him have His way, think of how He would transform me!

The apostle Paul taught that my spiritual act of worship is to give myself as a living sacrifice to God. (Romans 12:1) This means in a moment-by-moment act of surrender, I let go of my desires and take on God's instead;  I release my craving to control the direction of my own life and let Him take the wheel;  I stop fighting what God is trying to do and simply let Him have free reign in my life.

If I want to sow seeds that will receive a blessing, I will need to give into God, letting Him work without any resistance from me.

Even though I am saved by grace, I will reap what I sow.  If I want to plant seeds of righteousness in my life, I can do so by guarding against evil, standing firm when temptation comes my way, and surrendering fully to God.  In these ways I will reap the blessings of God.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can sow seeds of righteousness.

When do I expect good out of my life when all I put into it is negative?

How am I giving into the temptation to sin without even a fight?    

Spirit of Life

"Therefore,

there is now no condemnation for those

who are in Christ Jesus,

who do not live according to the sinful nature

but according to the Spirit,

because through Christ Jesus

the law of the Spirit of life

set me free from the law of sin and death.

. . .Who is he that condemns?

Christ Jesus, who died--more than that,

who was raised to life--

is at the right hand of God

and is also interceding for us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

Shall trouble or hardship or persecution

or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

. . .No, in all these things we are more than conquerors

through him who loved us."

Romans 8:1-2, 34-35, 37

I've heard stories of people who thought they could have it all;  There is the con man who lures a woman into falling in love with him so he can take advantage of her vulnerable state and bilk her of all her assets.  Or there are the businessmen who entice politicians to pass laws that would benefit their company.  Then there are the women who claim to stand for a woman's right to make her own health care decisions but deny that same privilege to their unborn child.  In every case, these people tried to act one way but live another.  Their hypocrisy betrayed their true master: Self.

When I commit my life to Jesus, I reap an everlasting benefit in freedom from death and hope for an eternal home with Him.  I am also promised a powerful bond with the love of Christ that nothing can break.  Is there anything that is expected of me?  If I truly experience His love can I go on living as if nothing has happened, continuing in my old ways?

If I truly have invited Jesus into my life to act as my Lord and Savior, then I will experience the Spirit of a whole new life.

Sinful

The caterpillar crawled along the leaf, munching it's crunchy goodness to feed his belly and nourish his fast-growing body.  He is limited in his mobility by his long, accordion-like body and multiple tiny legs, keeping him on the one plant where his mother first laid his egg.  He can never travel and see the world around him until he emerges from the pupa, or chrysalis as an entirely new creature.  The miraculous metamorphosis that takes place transforms him from a plump, awkward larva to a graceful, attractive butterfly.  Now he can live as the creature God intended for him to become.

In the same way, I am transformed into a new creature when I commit to Jesus as my Lord.  As the Amplified Bible interprets 2 Corinthians 5:17, "The old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed away."

My past sins, former way of thinking, and previous state as an enemy of God are all part of the old me. (Isaiah 1:18, Romans 12:2, Colossians 1:21)  If I choose to continue living my way, however, as if nothing has changed, it is as if I am not even saved.  I am still acting as one who is sinful and hostile to God. (Ephesians 4:22)

When I have a chance to react in love when treated poorly, then, I go back to my old ways and lash out in anger and self-righteousness.  I think, How dare you treat me that way!  The opportunity to show the compassion and mercy of God is lost.

When God sends a hurting soul who needs guidance and comfort, I retreat to my old position of sticking to my schedule and placing my tasks before my calling.  The chance I had to administer   reassurance through the truth found in God's Word was lost.

When things look hopeless and my circumstances seem impossible, I do as I always have and fret about what could happen, turning my body into a mass of pain and suffering.  The opening God had provided for me to trust Him passed right on by.

I must realize that as a believer in Christ Jesus, I must purposefully turn away from my old way of thinking, speaking and acting.  These are parts of my old self.  If I insist on living the way I used to live, it is important for me to understand that I will reap what I sow.  (Galatians 6:7)  God will not protect me from the consequences of my actions because He shows no favoritism. (Romans 2:9-11)  I am held accountable for how I choose to live. (2 Corinthians 5:10)

To live as if I've received the new life promised to me, I must put off the old, sinful ways.

Control

My husband received a remote-controlled helicopter from his brother last year for his birthday.  After charging the battery, we took it outside to take it for a spin.  It was pretty fun trying to raise it up in the air and make it hover without crashing into something (or someone).  The frustrating part, however, was that only one person could control the craft at a time.  

Just as this small model could only have one pilot at a time, so my life can only submit to one lord.  If I insist on acting as that leader, then God cannot.  The thing about God is that He is not a bully.  He does not force His way into my life, demanding His rightful place.  Instead, He is a gentleman, waiting for me to invite Him.  

When I see trouble coming down the pike and take immediate action in order to avoid disaster, I've left God out in the cold, denying Him the lordship I claim to have given Him.

When I go after what I want without a thought to God's sovereign plan, I've given control to myself instead of the Master Planner.

When I seek the advice of others when relationships turn sour but fail to acknowledge God, I deny the only One who can mend a broken heart and heal the wounds that drive people apart.

Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters.  Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other." (Matthew 6:24a)  If I claim to follow Jesus, I must let Him lead or I betray the identity of my true master: Me!

To live as if I've received the new life promised to me, I must give God control of all things.

Sonship

My sister and her husband are foster parents.  Every time they take in a child, whether it be for the short term or the long haul, they consider the youngster to be their own son or daughter.  Bloodline or length of time spent in their family matters not.  Instead, the love of God compels them to include any child that is taken in as a part of the family.

Similarly, God's love offers a place for me in His family.  There are no requirements of time served, righteousness obtained or abilities mastered.  On the contrary, I am invited because I trust in Jesus as my Savior.  The blood Jesus shed on the cross is the only prerequisite for entrance into this kinship.

God's Spirit gives me the assurance of my place in His family, helping me to feel comfortable and at ease in this new position.  (Romans 8:16)  As I become accustomed to the ways of my Father, I grow in my desire to obey Him out of the love that grows in my heart.  When I do as He instructs, I find that my life is blessed in many ways.  Even though hard times come, my Father is always there for me, protecting me, guiding me and strengthening me.

Troubles that used to consume me, sending me into a frenzy of anxiety, now serve as opportunities to see the power of my Father.

Activities that used to bring much pleasure now are seen as an affront to the One whom I serve as I find other ways to find enjoyment.

Difficult circumstances come as I grow in my faith, but I learn that my Father sends them as a tool to grow my faith.

To live as if I've received the new life promised to me, I must live as a child of God.

When Jesus becomes my Lord and Savior that is not the end, but only the beginning.  From there I cannot continue to live in my old ways and retain control of my life and still call myself a follower of Christ.  Instead, I only move forward in the Spirit of life when I live as one who is adopted into the family of my heavenly Father.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will put off the old way of living and take on my new position in God's family.

When do I continue in old patterns without even trying to turn away from them?

How am I defiantly insisting on controlling my own destiny?  

The Writing is on the Wall

"But you his son, O Belshazzar,

have not humbled yourself,

though you knew all this.

Instead, you have set yourself up

against the Lord of heaven."

Daniel 5:22-23a

He had grown up hearing the stories of his father's humbling.  He knew the tales.  How many nights had he sat at his father's knee as the account was told of how the Lord had humbled him, taking his sanity and humanity for a period of seven years?  As a boy he had learned how God had effectively lowered his father to a position of humility as he grazed in the fields like a cow and slept under the open sky as the dew fell upon him each night.  It was told that his mind was gone, his appearance like that of a wild man, his majesty had vanished.  

Mercifully, at the end of the episode, his father's attitude had changed.  What he used to say of himself, he now proclaimed of God; "How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders!  His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation."  (Daniel 4:3)

Belshazzar, King of Babylon, knew the stories.  Despite the fact that he had full disclosure, though, he made the decision to play around with God.  He defiled the holy and sacred articles of His temple by using the golden goblets for drunken revelry.  He ignored what he knew about God and instead exalted himself and his false gods.  He knowingly defied the warnings of his father, choosing to live his life for his own pleasure instead of giving God His rightful place.

Belshazzar was playing with fire.

In the same way, I have heard the stories.  I know the tales.  I have listened to countless retellings of the truth.  Yet many times I live my life my own way, consciously defying His teachings; doing things the way I see fit instead of consulting God; living as those around me live instead of as a treasured possession.  

I Reap What I Sow

It has been so much fun to watch the seeds I have sown this spring sprout and poke up out of the earth.  It is such a miracle to stick a bean seed in the ground, water it, and about a week later watch a tiny plant emerge from beneath the soil.  In a few weeks, I will be harvesting tomatoes, cabbage, green beans, carrots, radishes, peas, cucumbers, zucchini, cantaloupe, watermelon and green peppers.  I even tried planting some garlic this year.  I will reap what I have sown.

In the same way, I get out of life what I put into it.  Many times, though, I expect beans when I have planted carrots.  In other words, I expect peace when I have inputted strife.  I want tranquility but I have anger and bitterness in my heart.  I think I should be content, but I have let my fleshly desires drive my actions.  

If I want the fruit of God's Spirit to be evident in my life, I must let Him sow His seeds in my heart.   If, however, I keep insisting on defending myself and my reputation against gossip and slander, then I know that my heart will not be at peace.  If I continue to sow seeds of anger and bitterness toward those who have hurt or disappointed me, I can count on the fact that I will suffer a harvest of chaos and turmoil.  If I persist in striving for personal gain, I can depend on the fact that I will experience discontent. 


It is said that Albert Einstein is responsible for the following definition of insanity; "doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results."   Knowing that following the desires of my flesh will lead to fruits of the flesh yet expecting fruits of God's Spirit fulfills that definition of insanity.  If I want to exhibit godly fruit, I must sow godly seeds.


It is wise for me to heed the writing on the wall: I reap what I sow.

I am Saved by Grace

I have heard it from the time I first accepted Jesus as my Savior:  I am saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.  There is nothing I can do to earn my salvation.  I am not good enough on my own to enter into the presence of a holy God. I need Jesus to cleanse me and make me righteous.  

Still, I try to be good enough.  I do things out of guilt.  I think I need to reach a certain standard before I'll be accepted by God.  In so doing, I deny the grace of God.  

As you listen to By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North, reflect on the ways you deny the grace of God.

Grace is the unmerited favor of God, or putting it another way, grace is God giving us what we don't deserve.  Even though I don't deserve life, He gives it through simple faith in Jesus Christ. Despite the fact that I can never reach God's standard, I am made righteous by the blood of Jesus.  In spite of my own weakness, I am made strong through His power.


Accepting the grace of God means I will stop thinking I need to work my way into God's favor and instead accept His free gift of salvation.  It is then that I will be living the truth that, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21)  It is then that I will be free to love as He loves me.


It is wise for me to heed the writing on the wall: I am saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Sanctification is a Process

I remember the little figurine we gave to my cousin one year for his birthday.  It was the sculpture of a little boy adorned with a plaque that said, "Please be patient.  God isn't finished with me yet."  I always remembered that sentiment growing up, understanding that when I entered into a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, I was at the beginning of a lifelong journey.  God continues to use circumstances, people, trials, tribulations and His Word to shape me into the image of His Son.    In other words, "He who began a good work in (me) will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 1:6)

Why, then, do I expect so much from myself?  I get frustrated when I fall into the same areas of struggle.  I don't see the progress God has made in my walk with Him.  I feel like I'm right where I was when I started.

As my Sunday School Teacher said, "If you're not moving toward Jesus, then you are moving away from Him."  As long as I'm working on my relationship with Him, spending time studying His Word, meditating on His wisdom, paying attention to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and applying His lessons, then I am growing.  Maybe I don't notice the changes God is creating, but He does.  I can rest in the knowledge that, "The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me."  (Psalm 138:8)

It is important, however, that I don't make the process more important than my relationship with God.  Purification cannot be my goal, rather, a closer relationship with God and to please Him is to be my heart's desire.

I am challenged by the words of Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest.  "Your god may be your little Christian habit, the habit of prayer at stated times, or the habit of Bible reading.  Watch how your Father will upset those times if you begin to worship your habit instead of what the habit symbolizes--I can't do that just now, I am praying; it is my hour with God. No, it is your hour with your habit."  

I must always be mindful that the same routines and practices that can lead me closer to Christ can also take me away from complete devotion to Him.  As I go through the process of lifelong purification, it is my desire that my holiness is not what matters most, but keeping true to Him is my supreme ambition. 

It is wise for me to heed the writing on the wall: Sanctification is a lifelong process.

There are many things I know as a follower of Christ:  I will reap what I sow, I am saved by grace, and my sanctification is a process that takes a lifetime.  Despite this knowledge, I often fail to heed the writing on the wall.  It is my desire that I will not only learn these truths, but put them into practice and make them an integral part of my identity in Christ.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will take these truths to heart.

How do I try to earn grace, thinking I need to be good enough before God will accept me?

When do I expect perfection from myself or others when I know it takes a lifetime?